Severity Of Stricture Research Articles

Reliability of CT Enterography for Describing Fibrostenosing Crohn Disease.

Background Standardized methods to measure and describe Crohn disease strictures at CT enterography are needed to guide clinical decision making and for use in therapeutic studies. Purpose To assess the reliability of CT enterography features to describe Crohn disease strictures and their correlation with stricture severity. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 43 adult patients with symptomatic terminal ileal Crohn disease strictures who underwent standard-of-care CT enterography at a tertiary care center at the Cleveland Clinic between January 2008 and August 2016. After training on standardized definitions, four abdominal radiologists blinded to all patient information assessed imaging features (seven continuous measurements and nine observations) of the most distal ileal stricture in two separate sessions (separated by ≥2 weeks) in random order. Features with an interrater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.41 or greater (ie, moderate reliability or better) were considered reliable. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis identified reliable features associated with a visual analog scale of overall stricture severity. Significant reliable features were assessed as components of a CT enterography-based model to quantitate stricture severity. Results Examinations in 43 patients (mean age, 52 years ± 16 [SD]; 23 female) were evaluated. Five continuous measurements and six observations demonstrated at least moderate interrater reliability (interrater ICC range, 0.42 [95% CI: 0.25, 0.57] to 0.80 [95% CI: 0.67, 0.88]). Of these, 10 were univariably associated with stricture severity, and three continuous measurements-stricture length (interrater ICC, 0.64 [95% CI: 0.42, 0.81]), maximal associated small bowel dilation (interrater ICC, 0.80 [95% CI: 0.67, 0.88]), and maximal stricture wall thickness (interrater ICC, 0.50 [95% CI: 0.34, 0.62])-were independently associated (P value range, <.001 to .003) with stricture severity in a multivariable model. These three measurements were used to derive a well-calibrated (optimism-adjusted calibration slope = 1.00) quantitative model of stricture severity. Conclusion Standardized CT enterography measurements and observations can reliably describe terminal ileal Crohn disease strictures. Stricture length, maximal associated small bowel dilation, and maximal stricture wall thickness are correlated with stricture severity. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the article by Rieder et al in this issue. See also the editorial by Galgano and Summerlin in this issue.

Reliability of MR Enterography Features for Describing Fibrostenosing Crohn Disease.

Background Clinical decision making and drug development for fibrostenosing Crohn disease is constrained by a lack of imaging definitions, scoring conventions, and validated end points. Purpose To assess the reliability of MR enterography features to describe Crohn disease strictures and determine correlation with stricture severity. Materials and Methods A retrospective study of patients with symptomatic terminal ileal Crohn disease strictures who underwent MR enterography at tertiary care centers (Cleveland Clinic: September 2013 to November 2020; Mayo Clinic: February 2008 to March 2019) was conducted by using convenience sampling. In the development phase, blinded and trained radiologists independently evaluated 26 MR enterography features from baseline and follow-up examinations performed more than 6 months apart, with no bowel resection performed between examinations. Follow-up examinations closest to 12 months after baseline were selected. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In the validation phase, after five features were redefined, reliability was re-estimated in an independent convenience sample using baseline examinations. Multivariable linear regression analysis identified features with at least moderate interrater reliability (ICC ≥0.41) that were independently associated with stricture severity. Results Ninety-nine (mean age, 40 years ± 14 [SD]; 50 male) patients were included in the development group and 51 (mean age, 45 years ± 16 [SD]; 35 female) patients were included in the validation group. In the development group, nine features had at least moderate interrater reliability. One additional feature demonstrated moderate reliability in the validation group. Stricture length (ICC = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.75, 0.91] and 0.91 [95% CI: 0.75, 0.96] in development and validation phase, respectively) and maximal associated small bowel dilation (ICC = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.63, 0.80] and 0.73 [95% CI: 0.58, 0.87] in development and validation group, respectively) had the highest interrater reliability. Stricture length, maximal stricture wall thickness, and maximal associated small bowel dilation were independently (regression coefficients, 0.09-3.97; P < .001) associated with stricture severity. Conclusion MR enterography definitions and scoring conventions for reliably assessing features of Crohn disease strictures were developed and validated, and feature correlation with stricture severity was determined. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the article by Rieder and Ma et al in this issue. See also the editorial by Galgano and Summerlin in this issue.

Technical review of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided drainage/anastomosis and trans‐endosonographically created route procedures for the treatment of pancreatic diseases

AbstractEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided pancreatic duct drainage includes two procedures: EUS‐guided drainage/anastomosis (EUS‐D/A) and trans‐papillary drainage with EUS‐assisted pancreatic rendezvous. EUS‐guided pancreatogastrostomy is the most common EUS‐D/A procedure and is recommended as a salvage procedure in cases in which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails or is difficult. However, initial EUS‐D/A is performed in patients with surgically altered anatomy at our institution. It is one of the most difficult interventional EUS procedures and has a high incidence of adverse events. The technical difficulties differ according to etiology, and the incidence of adverse events varies between initial EUS‐D/A and subsequent trans‐endosonographically/EUS‐guided created route procedures. Hence, it is important to meticulously prepare a procedure based on the patient's condition and the available devices. The technical difficulties in EUS‐D/A include: (1) determination of the puncture point, (2) selection of a puncture needle and guidewire, (3) guidewire manipulation, and (4) dilation of the puncture route and stenting. Proper technical procedures are important to increase the success rate and reduce the incidence and severity of adverse events. The complexity of EUS‐D/A is also contingent on the severity of pancreatic fibrosis and stricture. In post‐pancreatectomy cases, determination of the puncture site is important for success because of the remnant pancreas. Trans‐endosonographically/EUS‐guided created route procedures following initial EUS‐D/A are also important for achieving the treatment goal. This article focuses on effective strategies for initial EUS‐D/A, based on the etiology and condition of the pancreas. We mainly discuss EUS‐D/A, including its indications, techniques, and success‐enhancing strategies.

Low Serum Testosterone as a Poor Prognostic Marker in Urethral Stricture: A Single-Center Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Introduction Androgens play a key role in modulating periurethral and preputial vascularity, cavernosal smooth muscle integrity, and penile growth. As a result, low testosterone may adversely affect the severity and outcome of urethral stricture patients. So, to find out the hormonal influence on the clinical outcome of urethral stricture we conducted a prospective longitudinal study at our institute. Methods The study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGMER), Kolkata, India, from February 2023 to September 2023. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee atIPGMER, Kolkata with the approval number IPGMER/IEC/2023/436. Hormonal levels in patients with diagnosed non-traumatic urethral stricture were compared with patients without stricture. Patients with any overt hormonal abnormality or androgen-secreting tumor were excluded. A morning 10 cc blood sample was collected for testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. The association of hormonal levels was measured in both groups and compared statistically. Any association of hypogonadism (testosterone <300 ng/dL) with respect to length, severity, and recurrence of urethral stricture was also studied. Results Forty patients with urethral stricture and same number of patients without stricture were included in the study. The mean testosterone level was found to be significantly low in patients with stricture (386 ng/dL vs 660 ng/dL). The age-wise distribution also showed low mean testosterone compared to patients without stricture. The incidence of hypogonadism is also found to be higher in stricture patients (47.5% vs 27.5%). It was also observed low testosterone is more prevalent in pan-anterior stricture (10/40) and long-segment stricture(>2 cm). Patients with stricture were also followed up for 6 months for recurrence of symptoms. Thirteen patients had recurrence. Patients with recurrence had significantly low serum testosterone (272 ng/dL vs 440 ng/dL). Conclusion Our study documented stricture patients with low serum testosterone have poor outcomes. Low testosterone level is strongly associated with longer stricture and increased risk of stricture recurrence.

Classification and treatment of vaginal strictures at the donor-recipient anastomosis after uterus transplant

To describe the incidence and management of vaginal stricture after uterus transplantation (UTx) in the US, to propose a grading system to classify stricture severity, and to identify risk factors for stricture formation. Prospective cohort study. University Hospital. Recipients undergoing UTx from 2016-2023 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Cleveland Clinic, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham were monitored postoperatively with regular pelvic examinations. Stricture was defined as vaginal narrowing of <3 cm in patients with graft survival of at least 7 days. Demographic and surgery characteristics. Stricture development and severity (grade 1 for diameter 2-<3 cm, grade 2 for 1-<2 cm, or grade 3 for <1 cm). Of the 45 UTx from 2016-2023 (16 deceased donors and 29 living donors), 3 were excluded from the analysis because of graft loss within 7 days. Of the 42 remaining recipients, 39 (92.9%) had Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and 3 (7.1%) had a prior hysterectomy. Twenty-eight (66.7%) UTx recipients developed postoperative vaginal strictures with a median time to stricture of 33 days (interquartile range 19-53 days). Most strictures were of moderate severity, with 4 (14.3%) strictures categorized as grade 1, 19 (67.9%) as grade 2, and 5 (17.9%) as grade 3. History of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and preoperative recipient vaginal length were significant risk factors for stricture, after adjustment for donor and recipient age and body mass index, anastomosis technique, total ischemia time, center, and year. Patients with longer preoperative vaginal length had a lower risk of stricture (hazard ratio 0.45, 0.29-0.70). The severity grading of the stricture was associated with the effectiveness of a nonoperative treatment approach (grade 1 vs. grade 3). No patients with grade 3 strictures improved with self-dilation alone; all required surgical repair and/or dilation under anesthesia. Conversely, for grade 1 or 2 strictures, self-dilation alone was successful in 47.8% (11/23), and no grade 1 strictures required surgical repair. Vaginal stricture is a common postoperative complication after UTx, affecting >65% of recipients. Short preoperative vaginal length and history of müllerian agenesis in the recipient are significant risk factors. Vaginal self-dilation was effective for some mild to moderate strictures, although dilation under anesthesia or surgical repair was required in most cases. Dallas UtErus Transplant Study (DUETS) at Baylor University Medical Center (NCT02656550), Uterine transplantation for the treatment of uterine factor infertility at the Cleveland Clinic (NCT02573415), The University of Pennsylvania Uterus Transplant for Uterine Factor Infertility Trial (UNTIL) (NCT03307356).

The Effect of Laparoscopic Gastric Ischemic Preconditioning Prior to Esophagectomy on Anastomotic Stricture Rate and Comparison with Esophagectomy-Alone Controls.

Benign anastomotic stricture is a recognized complication following esophagectomy. Laparoscopic gastric ischemic preconditioning (LGIP) prior to esophagectomy has been associated with decreased anastomotic leak rates; however, its effect on stricture and the need for subsequent endoscopic intervention is not well studied. This was a case-control study at an academic medical center using consecutive patients undergoing oncologic esophagectomies (July 2012-July 2022). Our institution initiated an LGIP protocol on 1 January 2021. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stricture within 1year of esophagectomy, while secondary outcomes were stricture severity and frequency of interventions within the 6months following stricture. Bivariable comparisons were performed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariable regression controlling for confounders was performed to generate risk-adjust odds ratios and to identify the independent effect of LGIP. Of 253 esophagectomies, 42 (16.6%) underwent LGIP prior to esophagectomy. There were 45 (17.7%) anastomotic strictures requiring endoscopic intervention, including three patients who underwent LGIP and 42 who did not. Median time to stricture was 144 days. Those who underwent LGIP were significantly less likely to develop anastomotic stricture (7.1% vs. 19.9%; p=0.048). After controlling for confounders, this difference was no longer significant (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.14-1.82; p=0.29). Of those who developed stricture, there was a trend toward less severe strictures and decreased need for endoscopic dilation in the LGIP group (all p<0.20). LGIP may reduce the rate and severity of symptomatic anastomotic stricture following esophagectomy. A multi-institutional trial evaluating the effect of LGIP on stricture and other anastomotic complications is warranted.

Use and Outcomes of Amplatz Renal Dilator for Treatment of Urethral Strictures

Background: Urethral strictures pose a significant challenge in urological practice, with traditional treatments often associated with considerable morbidity. The quest for less invasive yet effective interventions has led to innovative approaches, among which the Amplatz Renal Dilator has emerged as a promising tool. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Amplatz Renal Dilator in the treatment of urethral strictures, focusing on urinary flow rates, stricture severity, patient symptom relief, and the incidence of complications. Methods: A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted at multiple centers including Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi Naseer Teaching Hospital Peshawar in the duration from January, 2023 to June, 2023. Total Thirty-five participants diagnosed with urethral strictures were enrolled and treated with the Amplatz Renal Dilator. The study spanned two years, with an initial six-month recruitment phase followed by an eighteen-month follow-up. Efficacy was assessed through improvements in urinary flow rates and stricture severity, while safety was evaluated by monitoring procedural complications and recurrences. Quality of life and patient satisfaction were also measured using validated questionnaires. Results: Post-treatment, urinary flow rates significantly improved from a mean of 10 mL/s (SD ± 2) to 15 mL/s (SD ± 3) (p&lt;0.001). Stricture severity decreased from Grade 3 (SD ± 1) to Grade 1 (SD ± 1) (p&lt;0.001). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) from 22 (SD ± 4) to 10 (SD ± 3) (p&lt;0.001). The incidence of immediate complications was 5%, with no significant long-term complications reported. The recurrence rate of strictures was observed at 10%. Conclusion: The Amplatz Renal Dilator demonstrates significant efficacy in improving urinary flow rates and reducing stricture severity, with minimal complications and a low recurrence rate. These findings suggest that the Amplatz Renal Dilator is a safe and effective option for the treatment of urethral strictures, warranting further investigation in larger, randomized controlled trials.

P253 Knowledge and acceptability of the Lémann Index to measure progressive intestinal damage in Crohn’s disease: results from an international cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background Chronic inflammation in Crohn’s disease (CD) predisposes to progressive structural bowel damage (SBD). The Lémann index (LI) is a prospectively validated tool that captures extent and severity of strictures, penetrating disease and surgery to generate a SBD score.1 It is earmarked as a potential outcome measurement tool for CD modification trials. Understanding perceived barriers and knowledge gaps is critical to its wider adoption. Methods We conducted a multinational, cross-sectional study (March to October 2023) to determine SBD and LI knowledge, and LI acceptability. An online survey link (REDCap) was distributed to clinicians by email through GI professional societies and snowball sampling. The questionnaire included 23 items, 5 sections (demographic, SBD knowledge, LI perception and knowledge, future LI adoption, and optional case) and responses (binary, 5-point Likert scale, 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and free-text) were captured on Excel. Results From 170 respondants: 82 (48%) were female; 142 (82.4%) from Europe, 13 North America (7.6%) and 13 Asia (7.6%). Most were IBD specialists (121; 71.2%), General Gastroenterologists (36; 21.2%), managing &amp;gt;40 CD patients per month (60; 35.3%). 88 (51.8%) questionnaires were incomplete (≥1 questions were unanswered). From completed responses, 99 (92.5%) knew about SBD, 97 (90.7%) rated it ‘’very’’ and ‘’fairly’’ important to measure SBD in clinical trials and 82 (76.6%) in clinical practice; 5 (4.7%) felt it was ‘’not important’’. Most agreed LI would improve long-term outcomes in CD (55; 55%) and show achievement of treatment targets (74; 74.7%). More (43; 42.6%) replied it was ‘’very difficult’’ or ‘’difficult’’ to complete the LI for each patient; 36 (36%) felt that it took ‘’significant’’ or ‘’a lot’’ of effort (Figure 1). Most (86; 80.4%) were untrained in calculating the LI; 73 (68.2%) felt it was ‘’very’’ and ‘’fairly’’ important to receive training. Most reported intestinal ultrasound instead of MR enterography to be important (VAS scores 8-10) for encouraging LI calculation in future clinical trials (53; 54.6%) and clinical practice (49; 52.7%) (Figure 2). Lack of time (80.2%), automated calculation methods (64.2%) and dedicated radiologist (50.6%) were the top 3 perceived barriers to wider adoption. Conclusion Most respondents had baseline knowledge of SBD and perceived the LI to be important in future long term CD research and clinical practice. Interventions to improve training and automation are needed to facilitate wider adoption of the LI. Reference 1. Pariente B, et al.Validation and Update of the Lémann Index to Measure Cumulative Structural Bowel Damage in Crohn's Disease.Gastroenterology.2021 Sep;161(3):853-864.e13.

P771 Comparing obstructive symptoms and dietary restrictions with Crohn's disease stricture severity

Abstract Background Stricturing Crohn’s Disease (CD) is characterized by bowel narrowing often leading to obstruction. Obstructive symptoms (OS) have been evaluated in patients with CD strictures using OS scores (STRIDENT). Clinical observations suggest that OS are generally associated with end-stage strictures requiring dietary restrictions and surgery. Evaluating the prevalence of symptoms in strictures is important as regulatory agencies require symptom response to therapies in trials. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) accurately assesses CD strictures. IUS criteria for ileal strictures includes: 1) bowel wall thickness (BWT) &amp;gt; 3mm, 2) luminal narrowing, and 3) pre-stenotic dilation (PSD) &amp;gt; 2.5 cm. It remains unclear whether stricture severity is correlated with OS (nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain). We aim to assess if OS and dietary restrictions occur more often in those with more severe strictures (pre-stenotic dilation size). Methods In this pilot study, prospective ileal CD patients with inflammatory (non-stricture) phenotype versus definitive or probable strictures were surveyed. OS for the past 2 months were queried in patients with definitive (BWT &amp;gt;3mm, luminal narrowing &amp;lt; 1cm, PSD ≥ 2.5cm), and probable strictures (definitive with PSD &amp;lt; 2.5cm) as identified on IUS. OS queried included nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and dietary restrictions. Chi-squared tests for categorical symptoms and one-way ANOVA (Kruskal Wallis) was used to compare symptom prevalence within the non-stricture or stricture category. Results 39 patients were recruited with a median diagnosis age of 23.5 years (range 24-69) with 12 non-stricture phenotype (30.8%), 13 definitive (33.3%), and 14 probable stricture (35.9%). Patients with definitive strictures (35.3%) have significantly more nausea than those without strictures (11.8%) (p = 0.01), and no difference with probable strictures. Nausea with probable strictures (41.2%) was not significantly different from non-stricture patients (11.7%) (p = 0.07). In those with definitive versus non strictures, bloating (53.6 % vs 61.5 %, p = 0.69), post prandial pain (57.6 % vs 25.0 %, p = 0.14), and vomiting (10.0% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.47) were not significantly different. No difference was found in obstructive pain (F=2.27, p=0.12) among all groups. Dietary restrictions occurred in 40% (5/12) without strictures, 43.8% (7/12) with probable strictures, and 69.2% (9/13) with definitive strictures. Conclusion Nausea was the sole indicator distinguishing definitive from probable strictures. Pain, vomiting, and bloating did not differentiate those with severe from probable strictures, possibly due to dietary restrictions. More recruitment will refine these findings and enable comparison with specific IUS parameters.

Does the testosterone level affect the severity of urethral stricture or the outcome of Urethroplasty?

Does the testosterone level affect the severity of urethral stricture or the outcome of Urethroplasty?

Development of male and female models of long urethral strictures in swine

BackgroundPreclinical animal models which mimic the dimensions of long urethral strictures (>2 cm in length) encountered in the clinic are necessary to evaluate prospective graft designs for urethroplasty. The purpose of this study was to develop both male and female porcine models of long urethral strictures (∼4 cm in length) and characterize histological and functional outcomes of iatrogenic stricture formation between genders. MethodsFocal, partial thickness urethral injuries were created over 5–6 cm long segments in male and female swine (N = 4 per gender) via electrocoagulation and the degree of stricture formation was monitored for up to 6 weeks by urethroscopy and retrograde urethrography. Animals were sacrificed following stricture confirmation and histological, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric analyses were performed on strictured and uninjured control urethral segments to profile wound healing responses. ResultsUrethral stricture formation was detected in all female swine by 2 weeks and 100 % of male swine at 3.2 ± 1.8 weeks, post-operatively. The mean length of urethral strictures in both male and female swine was ∼4 cm. Substantial variations in the degree of stricture severity between sexes were observed with males exhibiting significant urethral stenosis and loss of α-smooth muscle actin+ smooth muscle bundles in comparison to controls, while females primarily displayed defects in pan-cytokeratin+ epithelia as well as functional urethral obstruction. ConclusionsElectrocoagulation injury is sufficient to produce long urethral strictures in male and female swine and the degree of stricture severity and nature of urethral obstruction was observed to be dependent on gender. Animal Protocol: AUP-19-150. Key messageNovel male and female models of long urethral strictures in swine were created to characterize histological and functional outcomes of iatrogenic stricture formation between genders.

Outcomes of pneumatic dilation in pediatric caustic esophageal strictures: a descriptive and analytic study from a developing country.

Corrosive substance ingestion in children represents a significant public health issue due to its long-term health sequelae. Esophageal stricture, main complication of this dangerous condition, is treated by pneumatic dilation and eventually by esophageal replacement. We aimed, through this study, to report the outcomes of esophageal pneumatic dilation complicating corrosive substance ingestion in children in a developing country. This cross-sectional study was performed on the population of pediatric patients with caustic esophageal stenosis between January 2005 and December 2020. All patients underwent pneumatic balloon dilation. A logistic regression model was built to predict the probability of the occurrence of the event (success/failure) of the dilation. The ROC curve is used to evaluate the performance of the logistic regression model to discriminate between positive and negative values of the dependent variable. The success rate of pneumatic balloon dilation was 80.4%. The median duration of overall management was 11months. The severity of caustic stricture observed during endoscopy was significantly linked to worse outcomes (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the severity of stenosis and the number of dilation sessions were independent risk factors for failure of dilation. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 71.7%. A Cut-Off point value of 7 provided the best sensitivity and specificity. Pneumatic balloon dilation has been proven to be efficacious in infants with caustic esophageal stricture. Pediatric surgeons should take into account factors to promptly switch to replacement surgery and avoid unnecessary and time-consuming serial dilations.

Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in distinguishing strictures in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in distinguishing fibrotic from inflammatory strictures in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. A rigorous and systematic exploration of five key databases yielded studies that met predefined criteria. Data were extracted for a comprehensive meta-analysis using MetaDiSC and MetaDTA software, providing diagnostic accuracy measures. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool was utilized for evaluating the methodological quality and potential bias within the studies. The systematic review involved the evaluation of 7437 records, culminating in the inclusion of 22 studies. In detecting fibrotic strictures in CD patients, MRI exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 85.20% (95% CI: 76.10-91.20%) and specificity of 96.00% (95% CI: 87.80-98.70%). For differentiating fibrotic strictures from inflammatory stenosis, the sensitivity was 81.5% (95% CI: 70.2-89.20%), and the specificity was 97.2% (95% CI: 90.0-99.3%). In terms of assessing the severity of strictures, sensitivity stood at 90.4% (95% CI: 78.1-96.1%) and specificity at 89.4% (95% CI: 57.4-98.2%). The consistency of the diagnostic accuracy was observed across different geographical locations and the various reference tests applied in the studies. The results of this meta-analysis underscore the robust diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting fibrotic strictures, distinguishing between fibrotic and inflammatory strictures, and evaluating stricture severity in CD patients. These findings support the integration of MRI into standard diagnostic protocols for patients with CD. Further large-scale, multicenter trials are warranted to confirm these results and to identify any potential limitations associated with the application of MRI in this clinical setting.

Dose at posterior-inferior border of symphysis point: A predictor for vaginal stricture in cervical cancer

PURPOSETo study the effect of various dose-volume parameters on the severity of vaginal stricture (VS) and the correlation of the latter with the posterior-inferior border of symphysis (PIBS) points in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation and brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALSA prospective study was done on 45 histologically proven locally advanced cervical cancer patients between January 2020 and March 2021. All of them were treated with concurrent chemoradiation with 6 MV photon linear accelerator to a dose of 45 Gy/25 fractions in 5 weeks. Twenty-three patients were treated with intracavitary brachytherapy with a dose of 7 Gy/fraction/week for three fractions. Twenty-two patients were treated with interstitial brachytherapy, with 6 Gy/fraction for four fractions, each fraction 6 h apart. Grading of VS was done as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. RESULTSThe median followup was 21.5 months. About 37.8% of patients had VS with a median duration of 8.0 months (4.0–12 months). About 22.2% had Grade 1, 6.7% had Grade 2, and 8.9% had Grade 3 toxicity. Doses at PIBS and PIBS−2 points had no correlation with vaginal toxicity, however, the dose at PIBS+2 was significantly associated with VS (p = 0.004). The treated length of the vagina at the time of brachytherapy (p = 0.001), initial tumor volume (p = 0.009), and vaginal involvement after completion of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (p = 0.01) were also statistically significant with the development of VS of Grade 2 or more. CONCLUSIONSDose at PIBS + 2, treated length of the vagina with brachytherapy, initial tumor volume, and post-EBRT vaginal involvement are strong predictors for the severity of VS.

Predictive Value of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Esophageal Stricture After Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Early Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a preferred treatment method for patients with early esophageal cancer (EEC), but it can easily be complicated by esophageal stricture. In this study, we aimed to analyze the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) for post-ESD esophageal stricture of EEC. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study of 285 patients with EEC who underwent ESD was conducted. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether there were complications of esophageal stricture: the stricture group (n=72) and the non-stricture group (n=213). A t test or chi-squared test was used to compare the clinical differences in different subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine and compare the predictive value of NLR, PLR, and MLR in post-ESD esophageal stricture. Spearman correlation was used to detect the relationship between NLR, PLR, and MLR and the severity of esophageal stricture. RESULTS The NLR, PLR, and MLR values in the stricture group were higher than those in the non-stricture group, and there was a positive correlation between NLR and MLR and the severity of stricture according to the Spearman correlation test (P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve value of the combination of NLR, PLR, and MLR (0.850) was higher than the NLR (0.792), PLR (0.774), and MLR (0.768). CONCLUSIONS The combination of NLR, PLR, and MLR could help clinicians to predict post-ESD esophageal stricture in the early stage.

Mixed-methods feasibility study to inform a randomised controlled trial of proton pump inhibitors to reduce strictures following neonatal surgery for oesophageal atresia

ObjectivesThis mixed-methods feasibility study aimed to explore parents’ and medical practitioners’ views on the acceptability and design of a clinical trial to determine whether routine prophylactic proton pump inhibitors (PPI)...

Comparison of statins with steroids and botulinum toxin A in the prevention of benign strictures after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a retrospective cohort study.

Preventing benign strictures following esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains difficult, and finding a safe, effective, and simple management method is vital. We previously reported that rosuvastatin significantly reduced the incidence and severity of strictures in a rabbit model of esophageal stricture. Accordingly, in this study, we compared the effects of statins, steroids, and botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) on stricture prevention after ESD involving more than three-fourths of the luminal circumference. Of the 1019 ESD cases treated between January 2015 and December 2020, 246 met the inclusion criteria, with 21 cases excluded due to loss to follow-up, tumor recurrence, death, or need for additional surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. Of the 225 included cases, 145 received no intervention, while the remaining 80 were treated: 16 with oral steroids, 20 with topical triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection, 21 with topical BTX-A injection, and 23 with statins. The occurrence stricture rate in the statins group (17.4%, 4/23) was significantly lower than in the non-intervention (75.2%, 109/145, P = 0.000), oral steroids (56.3%, 9/16, P = 0.011) and TA injection (50%, 10/20, P = 0.023) groups, but comparable to in the BTX-A injection (38.1%, 8/21, P = 0.124) group. The dysphagia score was lower in the statin than non-intervention group (P = 0.000). Although there was no significant difference in the number of required dilations between groups, the maximum number of dilations in the statins group was only six. Statins may be a potential treatment to prevent esophageal strictures after extensive ESD; however, clinical trials should be conducted to validate this.

P311 Reliability of computed tomography enterography for evaluation of stricturing Crohn’s disease: Development of a Crohn’s disease stricture index

Abstract Background Computed tomography enterography (CTE) is frequently used to assess stricturing Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the reliability of CTE items used for assessment has not been established and there is no validated radiologic stricture severity index. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 43 patients with symptomatic, terminal ileal stricturing CD. Four radiologists assessed a comprehensive list of pre-defined radiologic items potentially associated with stricture severity in 48 CTE scans in two separate rounds in random order. Reliability was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Items with at least moderate (ICC≥0.41) inter-rater reliability that were correlated with a visual analogue scale of overall stricture severity were candidate items for the development of a CTE stricture index. Results Inter-rater reliability was almost perfect for assessment of luminal diameter of pre-stenotic dilation (ICC 0.817 [95% confidence interval 0.703, 0.878]), substantial for stricture length (ICC 0.628 [0.419, 0.797]), and moderate for stricture wall thickness (0.482 [0.330, 0.601]). Intra-rater reliability was almost perfect (ICC ≥ 0.850) for all three items. A stricture severity index was derived and was well calibrated (optimism-adjusted calibration slope = 1.009), with scores calculated as the sum of stricture length (cm) + luminal diameter of pre-stenotic dilation (mm) + 5 x stricture wall thickness (mm). Conclusion Stricture length, prestenotic dilation, and stricture wall thickness can be reliably assessed, and are component items for a novel CTE stricture index (CTE-SI) of stricture severity for CD-related terminal ileal strictures. Additional external index validation for clinical and research contexts is required.

Prevention of Esophageal Stricture after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection with an Autologous Esophageal Epithelial Cell Suspension: An Animal Study.

Severe esophageal stricture decreases patient's quality of life after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autologous esophageal epithelial cell suspensions in preventing esophageal stricture after circumferential ESD. Twelve male mini-pigs underwent circumferential ESD and were randomized into four groups: G1 (control), G2 (esophageal stent), G3 (autologous esophageal epithelial cell suspension), and G4 (autologous esophageal epithelial cell suspension combined with esophageal stent). Post-ESD status was observed in each group, and endoscopy was performed weekly. Esophageal stents were removed 3 weeks after ESD. The esophageal stricture rates and histologic characteristics were assessed 4 weeks after ESD. G1 showed the greatest weight loss (p < 0.05). Dysphagia scores were not significantly different among the groups. The esophageal mucosal stricture rates were 77.7 ± 2.9%, 74.2 ± 1.9%, 69.2 ± 3.8% and 65.9 ± 1.9% in G1-4, respectively; with the highest in G1 (G1 vs. G3, p = 0.005; G1 vs. G4, p = 0.001). The regenerated epithelium lengths were 4.408 ± 1.980 mm, 8.319 ± 0.857 mm, 11.801 ± 2.455 mm and 12.353 ± 1.111 mm in G1-4, respectively. The lowest degree of re-epithelialization was observed in G1, followed by G2, with the highest degrees in G3 and G4 (G1 vs. G3, p = 0.001; G1 vs. G4, p = 0.000). The maximum wound fibrosis thicknesses were 2.546 ± 0.389 mm, 2.136 ± 0.231 mm, 1.126 ± 0.211 mm and 1.131 ± 0.438 mm in G1-4, respectively, with higher degrees in G1 and G2 than in G3 and G4 (G1 vs. G3, p = 0.001; G1 vs. G4, p = 0.001). Autologous esophageal epithelial cell suspensions can promote re-epithelialization and reduce fibrosis, thus decreasing esophageal stricture severity after ESD.

PD31-05 REPEATED TRANSURETHRAL INTERVENTIONS INCREASE ELASTIN DEGRADATION AND STRICTURE SEVERITY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD31-05 REPEATED TRANSURETHRAL INTERVENTIONS INCREASE ELASTIN DEGRADATION AND STRICTURE SEVERITY Michael Witthaus, Jathin Bandari, Thomas Will Fuller, Valmik Bhargava, Jill Buckley, and Mahadevan Rajasekaran Michael WitthausMichael Witthaus More articles by this author , Jathin BandariJathin Bandari More articles by this author , Thomas Will FullerThomas Will Fuller More articles by this author , Valmik BhargavaValmik Bhargava More articles by this author , Jill BuckleyJill Buckley More articles by this author , and Mahadevan RajasekaranMahadevan Rajasekaran More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002582.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Repeated transurethral interventions can cause or exacerbate urethral stricture disease by increasing tissue damage. A clear understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in increased fibrogenesis would enable development of optimal strategies to minimize progression or prevent stricture recurrence. Recently elastin, an extracellular matrix protein has been implicated in heart, liver and kidney fibrosis. We hypothesize repeated transurethral mechanical stretch accelerates elastin degradation and increases stricture severity. METHODS: Electrocautery was used to induce strictures in middle aged rabbits (12 months; n=6; Fig A). Rabbits (n=3) that showed evidence of stricture development at 14 days post-injury were further subjected to urethral wall stretch using a Foley catheter (balloon inflated to 14 mm diameter for 10 minutes, once a week for 4 weeks; Fig B). Animals were then allowed to recover and subjected to retrograde urethrogram (RUG) to confirm stricture progression and sacrificed at 45 days post-injury. Urethral tissues were harvested and subjected to immunostaining (Verhoeff–Van Gieson; VVG) for elastin. Results were then validated in human urethral scar tissues (n=3) obtained from patients undergoing urethroplasty. RESULTS: RUG findings are summarized in the Fig C. The RUGs performed showed a significant increase in stricture severity after balloon dilation (Fig C -bottom panel). The methodology utilized in the animal model was confirmed fluoroscopically to be replicable. VVG showed strong labeling for elastin (Fig E-F; black stain; yellow arrows) in rabbit and human (Fig G) scar tissues relative to controls (Fig D). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that this approach is a viable model to study transurethral intervention induced fibrogenesis. It further supports our hypothesis that urethral wall stretch worsens stricture severity due to elastin degradation. This may be an initiating factor in tissue remodeling after injury. Targeting elastin using an elastase may be a potential pharmacological intervention to treat or prevent stricture recurrence after transurethral interventions. Source of Funding: UCSD Academic Senate © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e542 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Michael Witthaus More articles by this author Jathin Bandari More articles by this author Thomas Will Fuller More articles by this author Valmik Bhargava More articles by this author Jill Buckley More articles by this author Mahadevan Rajasekaran More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...